Perseveration. The who, what & how of it
Part of the Wild of Brain definition series
Perseveration is not unique to neurodivergent folks but it is commonly experienced within neurodivergent communities. I think of it as an autistic trait but those diagnosed with ADHD, FASD and the multiply neurodivergent also report experiencing it. I’ve noticed that dysregulation, trauma or PTSD seems to increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing looping thoughts as a defining feature of their life. Just knowing WHAT the traits are when you’re experiencing them, that it’s a ‘thing,’ can really help.
So what IS perseveration?
Perseveration is when a neurodivergent person, often autistic, gets stuck on an idea, routine or topic. Like not being able to shake going over and over something upsetting or a historic social ‘faux pas’ (according to perceived neurotypical societal norms or responses).
It can have folks repeating themselves over and over, vocalising repetitive thoughts or words. ADHD’ers, those with dominant ADHD traits and those with high monotropic needs may be more prone to perseveration when switching tasks or coming out of hyperfocus or deep flow states.
Thinking about perseveration I’m reminded of autistic pals and colleagues who info-dump on their special interests but that’s not quite it. I love seeing folks all lit up with what brings them joy, even if I don’t give a rats arse about geology, chicken behaviour, trains or whatever it is they’re passionate about. Witnessing perseveration feels different - it’s more extreme, has an edge to it, often involving folks holding onto slights or offences whether perceived or actual and revisiting them on repeat. Some need to vent with others or it can be fully internal.
It’s your brain serving up that time you said ‘love you’ to serving staff at a fast food joint when you meant to say ‘thank you’, over and over again. Thanks brain!
Or that time when you mispronounced a word you’d only read and heard in your head out loud and people made fun of you for it. Hyperlexic folks know what I mean here!
The source of rumination can be something about a film, experience or interaction that is baffling to the person, replaying in their heads and externally evident by a kind of vocal stimming.
The negative self-talk kind of perseveration can be the mental equivalent of self-flagellation. Finding ways to shift the negative messaging underlying or driving the looping thoughts is key in these cases. I have had clients report positive perseveration too, where times of great contentedness or joy are revisited in their imagination. This seems to be a built-in nervous system regulation response which is very cool.
Perseveration can be extreme, not to mention perplexing to loved ones who don’t understand its origins and what purpose it serves. Not all autistics relate they experience perseveration to a notable extent. I’ve been wondering whether it is more common in those with extremely monotropic natures. It can look wildly different for different folks, ranging from asking the same question over regardless of answer/s received, obsessing on and unable to move past an upsetting/significant incident or not wanting to go to a certain place to avoid a historical experience. Perseveration loops can last for years and yes, it is experienced throughout life.
Perseveration is part of the DSM5 criteria for autism assessments fe BRB’s (Body Repetitive Behaviours) like skin picking and trichotillomania & perseverative language.Some loops can be difficult to distinguish from types of OCD, OCPD or Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).
Where does perseveration originate and what does it tell us?
It’s vital to distinguish perseveration from stimming, which is a way of processing hard or high emotion, and/or self soothing, and to be encouraged.
Perseveration can be annoying (honest and personal opinion of a parent here lol) but doesn’t need to be greeted with drama or dismay. Any negativity or judgement tends to worsen the perseveration. As the adults in the equation, it’s our job to dig around in the ‘why’ behind the perseverative patterns. Perseveration can be a trauma response, provide a kind of comfort, give indication of the person’s wellbeing and needs. In my practice I have a foundational focus on nervous system regulation and long term care, and find that disruptive perseveration is less in those with tendencies toward it when regulated, their demand load is sustainable and environments they frequent and live in are suitable to their sensory needs.
With some folks I ask whether there is something unresolved the person needs to address to complete the loop/s. What they might need to park their perseveration. And explore how to alleviate the negative impact of perseveration. With support, most people find their tendency to unwanted perseveration lessens over time.
I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts, drop me a DM or a comment here, or on the Wild of Brain facebook page.
Related links to learn from, made me think or that lit me up
As always, I like to highlight other neurodivergent content creators and educators sharing their lived experience:
Morgan Foley on persistent looping thoughts.
Toren Wolf on perseveration.
Trevor Carroll. My autistic brain gets ‘stuck.’
Autistic Realms - Monotropism and looping thoughts.
AND, and and! Can you tell I’m excited lol?
I’m opening registrations for the Wild of Brain Winter Neurodivergent Wellbeing retreat tonight.
You can find out more HERE. Hope to see you there.
And Dr Nicolina Newcombe’s (glowing) review of the Spring retreat is on the Altogether Autism site HERE.
Big love to y’all,
Anissa
